Sandals Ochi Beach Resort Jamaica

Sandals Ochi Beach Resort Jamaica is one of the best and biggest Sandals in the Caribbean. The white sand beaches, the enchanting blue waters, 100 acres of tropical paradise, 16 restaurants, 11 bars, and the Red Lane Spa are just the beginning of what the all inclusive luxury Sandals Ochi Beach has to offer.

Having been married at this resort 15 years ago, it was an easy decision to spend our Anniversary at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica. This resort has definitely changed over the past 15 years and has grown tremendously. We were astonished and amazed by the additions to the resort – so this feature will give you an up to date view of what you can expect at Sandals Ochi Beach.

Disclaimer: We received an upgrade in return for this blog post, however paid for our original booking. As always, all opinions are my own.

Arriving at Sandals Ochi Beach

Which Airport?

We chose to fly into the airport in Kingston, but Montego Bay is also an option. Both airports are about an equal distance from the resort and a complimentary airport shuttle is included from either, so the choice is really yours. If you choose Montego Bay, your shuttle will take you along the coastline. If choosing a Kingston arrival, your route will take you high over the mountains and offer spectacular views.

On our last 2 visits we chose to fly into Montego Bay so this time we decided to try a different route and we were not disappointed. The views were spectacular and the new highway makes the connection from the southern region of the island to the north painless and relaxing. Within minutes we were escorted to our private van and whisked away to paradise.

Arrive into and depart out of Jamaica in style
with Club Mobay & Club Kingston’s VIP lounges!

FYI – depending on where you are flying from, the rates between the two airports vary so I would advise checking both before making your decision.

Sandals Ochi Beach Resort Jamaica – Layout

The layout of this resort as it can be overwhelming. The resort is a total of 100 acres (it’s the largest Sandals Resort) and is divided into 3 distinct areas (see the official map):

The Riviera Seaside Village & Riviera Beachfront Tower

The Riviera Seaside Village is a seaside garden paradise with lush gardens and gorgeous ocean views. We chose a room here because the ocean view was our top priority. The room was also a Club Level room that offered us extra benefits such as private check in, room service 7am-10pm, a stocked refrigerator and bar, access to the Club Sandals lounge, and more!

Ochi Beach Club

The Ochi Beach Club is a trendy, high energy, happening area, located seaside just a short distance down from the Riviera Seaside Village. This area is lively and full of entertaining experiences both day and night. From games in the pool, to dancing, beach parties and much more. When you are ready to “live it up” this is the place to be.

Great House Village

Great House Village is located just up the hillside and is a true Garden of Eden. The large plantation style great house is surrounded by the most beautiful tropical oasis. As you can see from the picture below, the ocean can be seen from this area, but it is not directly on the seaside.

Butler Village

Adjacent to Great House Village, lies the Butler Village. These romantic hideaways come with secluded garden day beds, private pools, and butler service. A true slice of paradise.

How do you decide which village is right for you?

It really comes down to personal preference. Do you want a room with an ocean view, are you looking for an entry level price, do you prefer a butler services? There are so many options at this resort that there truly is something for everyone.

All Three Areas Include:

• Access to a large main pool including a swim up pool bar
• Multiple restaurants
• Multiple bars
• Entertainment
• Lush tropical gardens
• Wonderful service

Resort Shuttle Bus – HOP

As for as access to the different areas, that is all included and very easy to access thanks to the HOP! The HOP is a shuttle bus that runs constantly between the 3 areas every 10-15 minutes. There are convenient HOP locations where you can move from one area to the next easily and in less than 5 minutes. Staying in the Butler village and want to have dinner seaside? No problem, jump on the HOP and you’ll be at your destination in minutes. Staying seaside and want to dance the night away at the Beach Club? No problem, jump on the HOP. It really is that simple; and is like having three vacation spots for the price of one!

Restaurants at Sandals Ochi Beach

There are 16 restaurants onsite and something for every palate. Here is a list of them in no particular order:

• Neptunes Restaurant
• The Mariner Seaside Bar and Grill
• Kimonos Restaurant**
• Soy Sushi Restaurant
• Kelly’s Dockside Restaurant**
• Tapas on the Riviera Restaurant
• Valentino’s Restaurant**
• Vista Gourmet / Sky Terrace Restaurant
• Jerk Shack Restaurant
• The Reef Terrace Restaurant
• Bella Napoli Pizzeria
• Dino’s Pizzeria and Bar
• Manor House Restaurant
• The Southern Table Restaurant
• Le Gourmand Restaurant**
• Great House Cafe

**notes the restaurants that require reservations, all others do not.

Granted, we could not experience all 16 restaurants in 5 days (though we did give a good effort), we did experience many. Kelly’s Dockside was the one we wanted to dine at the most as it sits out over the water with amazing views. We requested reservations within hours of arrival and it was booked all week! Make sure to make reservations as early as possible if there is somewhere you really want to try.

Vista Gourmet / Sky Terrace

The views from Vista Gourmet and the Sky Terrace are breathtaking. Normally I am not a buffet person, but this was an over-the-top exceptional buffet. The food was fresh and the variety was incredible. Both of us sampled foods that were new to us which is something we love to do when traveling.

Reef Terrace Restaurant

Our first night on property, we chose to enjoy dinner at the Reef Terrace Restaurant. We were married in the gazebo at the Reef Terrace 15 years prior. So there could not be a better place to begin our Anniversary celebration.

As soon as we approached the terrace I was flooded with all of the wonderful memories of the life together that we started here in this very place. The view from our table just made dinner that much more spectacular. We watched the sun set, reminisced on the years past, enjoyed a fabulous meal, and drank champagne; just as we did on our wedding night. Our celebration was off to a fantastic start!

Jerk Shack

This place is so cute and the food is authentically Jamaican. We shared the sampler platter so that we could try some of everything. It was spicy and packed with flavour. The Jerk Shack is a great spot for casual but delicious dining.

Kimonos

Kimonos Restaurant is a teppanyaki grill in Ochi Beach Club. This Japanese style restaurant was lively, fun, and filling. By the time dessert was served, I could not think of eating another bite.

Southern Table Restaurant

I grew up eating southern style food with homemade biscuits daily. So, when I am traveling, that is not the style food I prefer to eat. However, I am happy to say that I was greatly impressed by Southern Table at Sandals Ochi Beach. As soon as we were seated, our waitress, Princess, greeted us with the warmest smile you have ever seen. She welcomed us as if we were her long lost friends returning from far away. We immediately knew we were in for a treat.

We enjoyed a sampling of deviled eggs, fried chicken, cornbread, and mashed potatoes with gravy. The food and the staff were above and beyond wonderful. Hats off to Sharlene, the manager, Princess, our waitress, and Chef Stephen. A wonderfully unexpected restaurant experience.

Room Service

One of the benefits of a Club Level room is room service. Considering we had a balcony room, I couldn’t imagine a better place to begin the day. Enjoying a wonderful breakfast in bed, or on the terrace while watching the sun rise over the Caribbean – perfection!

Poolside Casual Snacks

Don’t want to move from your poolside lounger or spot on the beach? Grab yourself a casual snack from one of the many cuisine offerings for takeaway. One of our favourites was the wood fired pizzas from Bella Napoli Pizzeria at Riviera Seaside Village. There are also tapas and other easy quick snack options in each village.

Sandals is known for their 5-star global gourmet and it shows everywhere. Not only in the white glove restaurants, but even in the buffets and snack bars. The food is unlike any other resort we have ever visited. And it truly is ALL INCLUDED! No up-charge or speciality dining prices. It is all included. On one of our days at Sandals Ochi Beach, I enjoyed lobster and champagne for all 3 meals!

Note: lobster is only available during lobster season, which in Jamaica means there is no lobster from 4/1 thru 7/1.

Bars & Entertainment

Sundowner Bar

Just below our room was the Sundowner Bar. It quickly became our favorite place to begin each evening. With comfy seating and beautiful views it was hard to leave this place. It is obvious where the Sundowner Bar gets its name from – we enjoyed the sunset here every day of our stay!

The Rabbit Hole – Speakeasy

Last November we enjoyed spending time on the Urban Bourbon Trail in Kentucky and even tried out a speakeasy in Louisville Kentucky. We enjoy wine tastings and distillery tours wherever we go. So when I discovered the Sandals Ochi Beach had a Speakeasy, I knew we had to visit.

For those of you not familiar with the term speakeasy, it is a term that originally began during the Prohibition-era (1920-1933) in the United States. These were illicit drinking houses that were kept secret. They were always hidden, unmarked, and you were required to know the secret passcode to gain entrance.

The Rabbit Hole is the only authentic speakeasy bar in the Caribbean and it lives up to what a speakeasy was a long time ago. First of all, it is not marked and there are no signs directing you to it. You must ask a staff member for help and you must obtain the password that changes daily. It is like stepping back in time, complete with flappers (1920’s era costumes), decorations, and drink specials that are not common today. It was a fun and unique evening activity.

Live Music – multiple locations

We enjoyed cocktails on the veranda of the Great House, while listening to live jazz music during a Sandals loyalty event. The weather was wonderful with a nice breeze as the sun begin to set over the horizon.

There is live music most nights, and shows at Ochi Beach Club. An amphitheater at the Riviera Village that holds events too. You can choose the quiet seclusion of a fireside lounger, or a table within earshot of music or a show – the property is big enough to accommodate both!

Activities

Sailing

Like all Sandals beach resorts, there are lots of water-based activities. How much does sailing cost at Sandals? Nothing, its included!

Snuba

What do you do when you want to experience something more than snorkeling, but you are not ready for scuba diving? You SNUBA! This snorkelling, scuba hybrid is perfect for the beginner.

It took me longer than John to adjust and become comfortable, but once I did it was so exciting. Our guide was so professional and skilled and worked with us until we were comfortable. He even took video for us and led us to a shipwreck.

Beach Time

Whether you choose to lounge all day, or swim, paddle or use a floatation device, the beach at Sandals Ochi Beach resort are clean, private and safe. With lots of seating arrangements and various water depths and views to enjoy – beach time is a must at Sandals!

Want to see more of Jamaica? Why not try some of the activities on the island? Mountain bobsledding or maybe an ATV adventure?

Red Lane Spa

John and I had enjoyed a couples massage during our time at Sandals Ochi for our wedding. So, naturally we wanted to replicate that. We chose the scrub-a-dub-dub package and it was sensational – 2 hours of pure heaven on earth.

The service began with a full body scrub that was tailored specifically to your skin needs. John received a coffee scrub and I had the rejuvenating sugar cane scrub. The scrub was like a massage in itself and the atmosphere was magical. After the scrub, we were led to a warm island bath with a soothing blend of vitamin-rich essential oils. We were left here with champagne, fruit, and each other. After soaking our stresses away, we were treated to a side by side indulgent cocktail-infused couples massage.

We enjoyed the Red Lane Spa so much that we came back for a visit while staying at the Sandals Royal Plantation Resort next door!

Weddings at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort

As I mentioned earlier, we got married at Sandals Ochi Beach. They offer a number of different locations around the resort to suit your style. Check out their over-the-water wedding chapel, complete with a glass floor. This was not here 15 years ago when we got hitched, but I can imagine it is a perfect location for a destination wedding. Already married, Sandals offers a Retie the Knot package that is definitely worth checking out.

Sandals Ochi Beach Resort Jamaica

Anniversaries, weddings, honeymoons, a couples getaway, or friends vacation – Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica can accommodate you. That is why I think it is one of the best sandals resorts in the Caribbean. While their neighbouring resort, Sandals Royal Plantation, is smaller and more intimate; Sandals Ochi Beach Resort Jamaica has more variety! Can’t decide which one to choose? Contact me and let me help you curate the perfect Sandals vacation today!

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